The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has promised $1 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support Pakistan in its ongoing battle against the devastating monsoon floods.
This donation, though relatively small compared to the scale of requirement, carries significant importance as it meant to target those most vulnerable: pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
WHO on the Ground in Flood-Hit Areas
On August 27, WHO’s Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Dapeng Luo, visited highly affected areas with flood in Swabi district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During his visit, he noted how most of the communities were struggling a lot to access even basic health services.
“We are highly indebted to the Gates Foundation for this generous and timely support,” Dr. Dapeng said. “It will enable our teams to deliver medical supplies, strengthen outbreak response, and save lives.”
Read more: Pakistan is facing the worst floods since 1988
The funds will benefit over 465,000 people across 33 high-risk districts in Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and K-P, ensuring continuity of health services at a time when many local facilities have been destroyed or left non-functional.
Human Toll of the Floods
The floods have killed at least 450 people and injured over 265 in K-P alone since from 15th of August, displacing thousands of families. More than 860,000 individuals have been directly affected, many forced into makeshift camps where overcrowding and poor sanitation pose further health risks.
Waterborne diseases such as Cholera, Diarrhea and Skin infections have been increasing day by day, while maternal and child healthcare remains severely disrupted.
Building Resilience in the Face of Climate Change
Dr. Luo kept on stressing that the floods are a reminder of how climate change is reshaping Pakistan’s vulnerability. “With the climate crisis fuelling increasingly severe monsoons, preparedness and rapid response are critical,” he claimed.
The six-month initiative of WHO will deliver immediate medical aid and strengthen coordination between health authorities and improve disease surveillance.
Equally important, risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) efforts will guide families on hygiene, safe practices, and how to access medical care—preventing avoidable deaths in already fragile conditions.
International Response and Way Forward
The support of Gates Foundation follows $600,000 release from the United Nations for flood relief. A UN team is also conducting a damage assessment survey to manage needs. While these contributions cannot fully offset the scale of devastation, they bring much-needed relief and international attention to communities on the edge.
For the flood survivors, this aid represents more than money. It is hope—hope that the world has not forgotten them, and that global solidarity can assist Pakistan not only recover today but also build resilience against the disasters of tomorrow.